Jerusalem: Israel’s military reported intercepting waves of Iranian missiles early on Thursday, including at least two salvos launched shortly after US President Donald Trump addressed the nation on the escalating Middle East war.
Air defences sprang into action following the initial attack, with police responding to several impact sites across central Israel — media outlets reported nine locations hit. Four individuals suffered light injuries in the Tel Aviv area, according to medics cited in local reports.
Israeli media pointed to cluster munitions as the likely cause of the widespread damage, noting these weapons detonate mid-air to disperse bomblets over a broad radius.
Just six hours later, the military detected three additional missile launches fr
om Iran targeting Israeli territory, setting off air raid sirens throughout northern and central regions. The Home Front Command eventually lifted restrictions, announcing that “residents were permitted to leave protected spaces in all areas of the country.” No immediate casualties or structural damage were reported from these subsequent strikes, AFP reported.
The assaults came amid heightened tensions from the ongoing conflict, now in its second month. On Wednesday, as Jewish Israelis prepared for Passover Holiday, Iranian missile fire wounded 14 people, including an 11-year-old girl, emergency services confirmed.
Compounding the threats, northern Israel endured air raid sirens early on Thursday warning of incoming fire from Lebanon, according to the Home Front Command.
Iran-backed Hezbollah, which entered the war on March 2, claimed responsibility for rocket salvos aimed at Israeli troops along the border and a drone strike on a nearby village. Hezbollah has launched hundreds of cross-border attacks since early March, drawing Israeli counterstrikes into southern Lebanon and Beirut suburbs. No casualties or damage were reported from Thursday’s incidents.